Executing Packaging Efficiency

As drug makers begin to serialize every salable unit right on the packaging line, they may be adding new systems and processes to generate and handle a lot of data. In an era of lean manufacturing, however, companies may fear that serialization could add significant costs and burden.

“Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on plant efficiencies these days,” reports Joseph Ringwood, vice president of sales and operations for Systech (Cranbury, NJ). To do so, “many are trying to apply manufacturing execution systems (MES) to packaging lines with a server-level application. But the new complication is serialization.”

The manufacturer’s next step is to extend the PES to include “plant-level management of EPC serial numbers and overall equipment effectiveness measurement using Systech Guardian,” which “connects to ERP and EPCIS systems providing a single point interface to the enterprise and, ultimately, to the supply chain and customer.” Currently involving 25 packaging lines across 12 worldwide sites, the project demonstrated “measurable performance improvements at the first plant.”

With item serialization close to becoming law, pharmaceutical manufacturers are facing tremendous tasks.

But not impossible. The pharma company described in ARC’s white paper was able to manage product serialization while realizing performance improvements, thanks to a packaging execution system. Your company could, too.